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Dr. Vikram Chauhan - MD (Ayurveda)

Monday, November 12, 2018

URETHRAL STRICTURE: OVERVIEW

Urethral stricture is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal narrowing of the urethra (the tube which releases urine from the body).

In this condition, the passageway through which the urine flows from the bladder gets blocked or narrowed because of scarring in or around the urethra, or because of inflammation, injury or disease. In some rare cases, the condition may also be caused by external pressure from an enlarging tumour near the urethra, untreated or repetitive urinary tract infections (UTIs), or the sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Therefore, Urethral stricture is a condition which results in a decrease in urine output, due to the narrowing of the urethra. The restricted urinary flow can potentially lead to obstructive voiding dysfunction, which can have serious consequences for the entire urinary tract.

The Urethral stricture condition is more common in men as compared to women. The chances of the occurrence of this condition are generally quite high in men who have penile implants or young boys who undergo a surgical procedure for correction of an underdeveloped urethra (hypospadias surgery). Moreover, some other risk factors associated with Urethral stricture are: surgery performed on the prostate, pelvic fractures, radiation, catheter insertion, blunt trauma to the perineum, infection (usually with Gonorrhea), or Lichen sclerosus.

Urethral stricture may totally block the flow of urine, thereby causing acute urinary retention, which is a condition that requires timely treatment. When treated in time, Urethral stricture can prevent several health complications, such as kidney or bladder infection or injury.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF URETHRAL STRICTURE

The most characteristic indication of the occurrence of Urethral stricture is a 'weak urinary stream.' Besides that, some of the other common symptoms of this condition include:

Weak urine flow or reduced volume of urine

Straining to urinate

Pain or burning sensation while passing urine

Frequent starting/ stopping of urinary stream

Sudden urge to urinate (Urinary urgency)

Inability to control urination

Frequent urination

Pain in the pelvic region or lower abdomen

Urethral discharge

Penile swelling and pain

Dark-coloured urine

Presence of blood in urine or semen

Urinary tract infection

Feeling of incomplete emptying of bladder

Inability to urinate at all

URETHRAL STRICTURE: AYURVEDIC VIEWPOINT

According to Ayurveda, Urethral stricture and other urinary problems are a result of a disturbance of ‘Apan vayu’, which is responsible for the ‘urine elimination’ function of the body.

Since the vitiated Apan vayu can lead to medical conditions linked to urination, Ayurvedic treatment of Urethral stricture basically involves the use of certain herbal formulations, which are capable of normalizing the functioning of Apan vayu. Hence, the line of treatment for the condition includes internal detoxification, along with the cleansing of the urinary tract and removal of any blockages.

Ayurveda is an ancient form of medication, which focuses on maintaining the balance of three energies or doshas in the body --- ‘Vata,’ ‘Pitta,’ and ‘Kapha.’ As such, the herbal products for managing Urethral stricture help in maintaining the balance of these three energies, for treating the condition and also ensuring overall good health and well-being.

URETHRAL STRICTURE: TREATMENT

The common treatments for Urethral stricture include Urethral dilation and some other endoscopic approaches like laser urethrotomy, self-intermittent dilation and direct vision internal urethrotomy (DVIU). However, these treatments may sometimes worsen the condition, due to which the surgical repair of the urethra in the future may become difficult.

Planet Ayurveda herbal manufacturing company offers some excellent herbal products for managing Urethral stricture in a safe and natural manner. These products are prepared under the supervision of renowned Ayurveda experts. The products do not contain any chemicals, additives, binders, preservatives, artificial colours, of fillers.

Planet Ayurveda’s herbal products for Urethral stricture include:

Herbal Remedies for Urethral Stricture

The preparation of these capsules involves the use of the ‘Curcumin’ compound of the Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) herb. The capsules are, therefore, packed with the standardized extract of Turmeric which is known for its remarkable medicinal properties and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

The patients suffering from Urethral stricture can benefit from the use of Curcumin capsules because of their ability to reduce inflammation/swelling, manage urinary disorders, remove toxins, treat allergies, and manage musculoskeletal disorders.

Urethral stricture patients are recommended the use of Pitta Balance capsules, because the herbal ingredients can cure a number of health conditions. The ingredients can cure ulcers, acidity, piles, and other problems, and can balance the Pitta dosha of the body, treat urinary problems, improve the functioning of the immune system, purify the blood, and control blood pressure.

The standardized extracts of the ‘Bhumi amla’ herb (Phyllanthus niruri) are used for the preparation of these capsules. The herb is particularly used in Ayurvedic formulations because of its proven acrid, cooling, alexipharmic and diuretic properties. In addition, the herb can also boost the body’s immune system.

The use of Phyllanthus Niruri capsules is beneficial for patients suffering from Urethral stricture because the capsules can manage urinary disorders, enhance the functioning of the liver, purify the blood, and manage several gastrointestinal conditions.

The use of Septrin tablets is beneficial for Urethral stricture patients because the herbal components can effectively treat various types of infections/allergies, reduce inflammation, manage urinary conditions, increase immunity and balance the ‘Vata,’ ‘Pitta,’ and ‘Kapha’ doshas of the body.

To prepare these tablets, Triphala and the resin extract of Guggul (Commiphora mukul) are used. Triphala is a combination of three potent herbs --- Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), and Haritaki (Terminalia chebula).

Urethral stricture patients can benefit from the use of Triphala Guggul tablets because they can heal anal fissures and anal fistula, reduce cholesterol levels, remove renal stone pain, purify the blood, eliminate waste products from the body through urine and faeces and balance the body’s Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas.

Dosage: 2 tablets, two times a day.

CONCLUSION

All the above-discussed herbal products for managing Urethral stricture are prepared in accordance with the principles of Ayurveda. The herbs and other natural components used for preparing these products have been described in Ayurvedic texts for their proven medicinal significance.